We are always sharing the great successes and progress that we see in our communities, which is important. Because of people like you, we are able to do incredible work in rural Nicaragua and we have many reasons to celebrate.
It’s people like our friend Gerson that make this work difficult. Everyone from donors, to our staff, and even our community leaders pour their heart and soul into this mission. We are all living out our faith as we love on and care for each of our community partners. Almost always, we have a great success story to share. Except for Gerson.
While this story does not have a traditionally happy ending, we felt it was important to share with you.
Gerson was a young boy who grew up in a remote community called Los Encuentros. His parents, both uneducated, worked in agriculture and by tanning cow hides to make ends meet. Shortly after Gerson was born, his family had the opportunity of a lifetime to move into a nearby housing project in the community of La Quesera. Gerson’s parents jumped at the opportunity to give Gerson and his older sister, Lixi, a better life.
As Gerson began to grow and develop, his parents noticed that he was struggling to walk and complete age-appropriate psychomotor skills. They came to our local team desperate for help. Through the support of our Special Medical Needs Program, Gerson was able to have an MRI done, which brought with it a devastating diagnosis. Gerson had a large brain cyst near his left ear. To make matters worse, Gerson’s cyst was inoperable.
Our team and donors who had the joy of meeting Gerson empathized with the family, feeling their pain in this situation. Thanks to his sponsors, Gerson was provided with support in nutrition, medication to control his ongoing seizures, and regular doctor’s appointments and exams. Gerson lived a great life, learning to walk and attending our colectivo. Our hearts broke to learn that Gerson’s life came to an end this summer, just weeks before what would have been his seventh birthday.
While this is not our usual, upbeat and happy story, we still get to rejoice in the life that Gerson lived. Without Rainbow Network, the family would have fought this battle all alone, which would have been much shorter. With Rainbow Network, Gerson, his family, and all who knew their story got to see Christ’s unconditional love poured out over this family. This is the most important work we do, and we could not do it without you.
In Loving Memory of Gerson Noel Balmaceda Ruiz
September 2014 - July 2021
Gerson was a sweet, loving child who faced many obstacles in his young life. He enjoyed playing games with his sister, hugs from his parents, and toys from Rainbow Network.
If you feel called to do so, please consider a donation in honor of Gerson's life and other children in the Special Medical Needs Program.
Click the picture below, which features Gerson's housing project in La Quesera (Ciudad Dario), to give a gift in his honor.
